Disclaimer: This post is to motivate & inspire women to start taking the time for themselves, but in no means does it mean that this routine will work for everyone, this is just what works for me. I am not a dermatologist or Aesthetician, everything written is from research I have done personally.
Our skin in itself is ever changing during a month wether during our periods or simply the change of weather can bring on so many differences in our skin's appearance. And so the change of hormones during pregnancy can bring on SOO many more changes, for better or worse. And the changes are different in every pregnancy and from person to person.
One thing I have taken a bit more seriously in 2020 is my Skin care routine, especially during this second pregnancy. And so before getting into my actual skincare routine, I think it would help to understand my skin type.
Skin Before Pregnancy
Skin Type:
I had combination skin:
Normal to Dry: My cheeks and chin were usually much more dry in the winter and normal in the summer.
Oily: I had a very oily T-zone especially around my nose.
Breakouts
Most of my breakouts were around my chin & forehead and mainly when entering summer or during my period.
Skin During Pregnancy
Skin Type:
In both of my pregnancies as well as during breast-feeding journey I have had VERY dry and uneven skin. But I have listed the main changes below:
Drier and itchier skin.
Redness around nose and chin.
Hyper-pigmentation (Darker spots) around face and all body folds.
Breakouts
Most of my breakouts came in during my second trimester and they were extremely painful, and left marks.
Pregnancy Skin Care Routine
My skin care during this pregnancy has evolved into not being something I do to stay clean and pimple free. But, it is a major part of my alone time and my pampering. for myself. Being a mom, and employee, a business owner and carer for my home, I DEFINITELY get over whelmed and need to destress.
And my NIGHT time skin care routine especially is that time for me. It sometimes (almost always) feels like I have no time to care of myself and especially doing all I am and being pregnant I get much more stressed. And so taking 20 mins out of my day for me can make the whole world of a difference.
My Night Time Ritual
I am going to split my care routines into 2 parts, things I do everyday and things I do occasionally or weekly.
Every Night Rituals
Usually, I will do this either with my husband putting my son to bed, if I am especially tired that day, or after I put my son to bed. But I make sure I am not disturbed during this time to be able to unwind destress and. reflect on the day.
Going through the list my total every day night time skin care routine comes to 8 products.It takes a lot less time to apply my routine than it feels when reading through I promise!
Step 1: Cleanse
I don't wear a full face of makeup everyday especially since I don't go out as often with the pandemic, but I do put on Mascara and Eyebrow product every day.
And so I LOVE to double cleanse with an oil based cleanser as my first cleanse and then I go in with a water based gel cleanser.
Current Oil Based Cleanser: Cleanest Rice Cleansing Oil by Skin79
Current Water Based Cleanser: Back to Pure Daily Foaming Gel Cleanser by Thank You Farmer
Step 2: Acids, Essence & Serums
This is where I use most active ingredients and like to have the "spa" experience.I love trying out new serums and new products but I will give each product at least 2 weeks to a month before I decide if I like it or not. So I mainly go in with what I feel like my skin needs that day. I have listed the products below in the order I usually us them:
Acid: Hyaluronic Acid (Humectant, meaning it will absorb water from th environment into your skin) - I have been currently rotating the Pure Hyaluronic Acid 90 Serum by Purito and the Expert Soothing Ampoule by Aippo. Which one I go for is usually dependent on my skin that day and how dry it is, if it is extremely dry then I usually go in with the one by Purito.
Essence: I am currently using a Niacinamide Essence since it helps with improving texture and dark spots. The one I am currently using is the Galacto Niacin 97 Power Essence by Purito
Serums: Now this is where I don't use the same serums every night and kind of pick and choose depending on what I'm feeling. But my top go to's are the Propolis Barrier Ampoule by Maxclinic or the Pore Reducer Serum by Dermooday
Step 3: Thick Creams
To lock in all the moisture and active ingredients I go in with a moisturizer and eye cream and call it a night! Do I think eye creams are a necessity, no. But I enjoy using it so why not.
Eye Cream: Centella Green level Eye Cream by Purito
Moisturizer: Green tea Regulating Night Cream by Bielenda
Step 4: Lip Moisture
During pregnancy I have been feeling my lips become ALOT drier and flaky. And so putting on a lip balm has just help sooth that dry lip and I wake up with them being much more hydrated.
Lip Balm: Botanical Lip Balm - Exotic Yuzu by Bielenda
Weekly Rituals
So above my actually skin care routine above there are somethings I add to have a spa night which typically is once a week or sometimes even twice a month.
Facial Exfoliation:
After having an actual routine and sticking to it, I have seen a major difference in my skin texture even within the first month, and so exfoliation is not something I do every day to ensure I don't over strip and sensitize my face.
I use two types of exfoliants (Physical & Chemical) but I do not use them on the same day!
My current exfoliants are:
Chemical Exfoliant: Botanical Lip Balm - Exotic Yuzu by Bielenda
Physical Exfoliant: Honey Sugar Facial Scrub by Plu or the Organic Exfoliating Face Scrub by Apiarium
Face Masks
When I do physical exfoliation, I love to soothe my face with a cooling face mask (Gel masks are my favourite!) I don't have a favourite at the moment, mainly because I rarely use the same mask twice.
Bath Time
On a day where I put my son down to sleep and I am still not that sleepy, I love filling the tub lighting a candle making me a cup of coffee, and take a warm bath while reading a book or watching youtube videos. It's MY time!
This is a small thing that with time becomes natural and normal and easy, but taking the time to yourself whether you are a working mama, a busy activist or a boss lady you deserve to pamper yourself and take time too unwind before bed.
With Love,
Leona
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